What is betaine hydrochloride supplements?

Betaine hydrochloride is an acidic form of betaine, a vitamin-like substance found in grains and other foods. Betaine hydrochloride is recommended by some doctors as a supplemental source of hydrochloric acid for people who have a deficiency of stomach acid production (hypochlorhydria).

What are the side effects of taking betaine hydrochloride?

Betaine hydrochloride does not have many side-effects in most people. Nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea and a body odour all have been reported.

Is betaine a good supplement?

Heart Disease Studies suggest that betaine, along with vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid, helps reduce higher levels of homocysteine. Some studies show that high levels of homocysteine may encourage atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

When to take HCl betaine?

Betaine hydrochloride is also used to treat abnormally low levels of potassium ( hypokalemia ), hay fever, “tired blood ” ( anemia ), asthma, “hardening of the arteries ” ( atherosclerosis ), yeast infections, diarrhea, food allergies, gallstones, inner ear infections, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and thyroid disorders.

What is the best HCl supplement?

Betaine HCL is the most common and safest supplement that contains hydrochloric acid. Hydrochloric acid is usually naturally produced within your body. Betaine is found in nutritious foods such as grains, beets, and shellfish. Betaine helps to regulate your digestion.

Is betaine HCl safe?

Under normal circumstances, short term betaine HCl supplementation is safe and without any side effects. However, it does carry its own risks, especially in people who have health complications caused by high stomach acid. Such conditions may get aggravated (gastritis and ulcers, for example).

Can betaine HCl cause heartburn?

Taking large doses of betaine HCL may burn or degrade the lining of your stomach, HealthKey warns. Severe stomach irritation may exacerbate heartburn side effects and may also cause nausea, bloating or vomiting. Seek additional care from your doctor as soon as possible if you experience severe or chronic stomach pain.